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Sleep Disorders: How to Use a Sleep Diary

Keeping a sleep diary will let you learn about your sleep patterns and habits. Make up a chart with spaces for:

  • The time you went to bed and woke up.
  • How long and well you slept.
  • When you were awake during the night.
  • How much caffeine or alcohol you consumed and when.
  • What/when you ate and drank.
  • What emotion or stress you had.
  • What drugs or medications you took.

Here is an example of a sleep diary. Print it out and use it or create your own sleep diary.

Date:

Bedtime:
Wake time:

Duration of sleep:
Number of times awake at night:
Quality of sleep:

Caffeine
consumption and
time consumed
Alcohol
consumption and
time consumed
Food/drink
consumption and
time consumed
Emotions/
stress
Medications
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WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Edited by Leonard J. Sonne, MD on January 01, 2007
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TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.

Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.

More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.

© 2004-2008 Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

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